Artist Adorns Dried Leaves With Intricate Crochet Doily Designs

Fallen leaves find a new life in the art of Susanna Bauer. The German-born and UK-based artist uses found organic materials as the canvas for romantic crochet designs. Her new exhibition Gathering Stories assembles some of her latest pieces in this ongoing exploration of nature and craft.

The rust-colored brown leaves were cleaned and dried and then carefully perforated with cream cotton thread. This string extends beyond the contours of the leaf, resembling the intricate patterns often seen in lace doilies. “Taking time beneath trees, gathering leaves, contemplating their shapes, imperfections, and details lies at the basis of my process,” Bauer says. “Along with this quiet gathering, stories form, dialogues between leaves emerge, reflections on time and change and interpersonal connections.”

Just as no two leaves are alike, no two of Bauer's creations are the same, either. In this way, she infuses all of her works with a unique character and identity. Unsurprisingly, this art form requires a significant amount of precision and care to ensure that the leaf does not break. But as a result of these loving efforts, Bauer creates a relationship between the delicate object and the tradition of crochet.

Bauer's exhibition is on view at La Salon Vert in Geneva, Switzerland until January 14, 2023. Follow the artist on Instagram for updates on her latest projects.